The Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) form the pinnacle of the Institute’s qualification. Completion of these exams is an illustration of one’s developed knowledge and understanding of the commercial shipping industry. It comprises of seven exams which you can do over five years. Out of these, four are compulsory and the remaining three can be chosen from a list of twelve optional subjects (please refer to the Group 1 and 2 section). Many people complete in a much shorter time and are often also eligible for exemptions to some exams based on industry experiences and prior qualifications.

Exemptions  don’t apply to the Diplomas, so if you are eligible for a few, it may make sense to start your journey with PQE. Embarking on PQE will mean you can pick and choose how many exams to take from the syllabus. Once you have completed your PQEs you will be eligible to apply for membership with the Institute.

Eligibilty:

Seven subjects must be successfully completed within the 5 years to be eligible for application for membership of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers. Please note: local and international vetting of candidates will decide ultimately whether the candidate will be elected as a member.

The Advanced Diploma has been designed as a stepping stone into full professional qualification and suits those who have some industry knowledge.

Like the Foundation Diploma, the Advanced Diploma is a recognised and respected qualification and it can count towards your Professional Qualifying Examinations. It involves taking the Institute’s benchmark paper Shipping Business plus one other subject from Group 2 list of optional from the Institute’s syllabus. The Advanced Diploma is awarded if both subjects are passed in the same exam sitting

Eligibility:

The ICS Advanced Diploma is a combination of Shipping Business plus a Group 2 subject from the ICS PQE syllabus. If only one paper is passed then that paper is taken forward as part of the PQE process.

The Foundation Diploma is ideal for people with little industry experience, but who would like to gain practical knowledge and a sound qualification. It involves taking in the Introduction to Shipping paper plus one subject from the group 2 list of the optional papers from the Institute’s syllabus.

The Foundation Diploma is a standalone qualification in its own right, but because it can count towards your membership examinations it is also a great way to ease into study and gives you an overall view of the business. The Foundation Diploma is awarded if both subjects are passed in the same exam sitting.

Eligibilty:

The ICS Foundation Diploma comprises of two subjects: Introduction to Shipping, which is compulsory plus a Group 2 subject from the ICS PQE syllabus. (Both subjects must be passed in the same year of sitting the exams)

Understanding Shipping is a practical, professionally guided course that demystifies the complex world of maritime transport, the engine behind global commerce. Through nine correspondence lessons, students gain a clear, understanding of the shipping industry’s key sectors, essential processes, challenges, and opportunities. Each participant is supported by a personal tutor and completes both multiple-choice assessments and short written assignments to reinforce learning.

Ideal for newcomers to shipping, school leavers, or professionals in supporting roles such as HR, accounting, and port operations, this course builds a strong foundation for anyone looking to enter or advance within the maritime sector. Upon completing the lessons and a brief interview, successful students earn the Understanding Shipping certificate – an excellent first credential in a global industry.